Travel Startups and Innovation News

PhocusWire's in-depth coverage of the startups in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry, featuring news, analysis, interviews, research and more.

Startups are a powerful force driving innovation across the travel industry—from AI-driven personalization and fintech solutions to next-gen mobility and booking platforms. PhocusWire delivers the most relevant travel startups and innovation news, spotlighting emerging companies that are rethinking the way people search, book, and experience travel.

Emerging travel startups and innovations driving the industry forward

Our coverage highlights breakthrough ideas, early-stage funding rounds, and strategic partnerships that bring fresh energy to the travel ecosystem. Whether it's reshaping trip planning, optimizing operations, or solving pain points across the journey, travel startups are challenging incumbents and building the future of travel with agility and purpose.

STARTUP STAGE: B0arding is a booking site that rewards users for video reviews
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: B0arding is a booking site that rewards users for video reviews
By Mileva Sapic | October 7, 2024
B0arding invites travelers to submit video reviews of hotels and short-term rentals they've stayed in... Read More
Where are they now? Catching up with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2020
News / Startups
Where are they now? Catching up with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2020
By Mileva Sapic | October 7, 2024
AllFly, Mize, Questo, Magpie and FutureStay update PhocusWire on what they've been up to since they... Read More
Truely secures $3.5M to drive eSIM services across travel
News / Startups
Truely secures $3.5M to drive eSIM services across travel
By Mileva Sapic | October 2, 2024
Truely intends to release B2B2C services for major travel operators, airlines, airports, online travel... Read More
Hotelverse receives €5 million to further develop its digital twin technology
News / Startups
Hotelverse receives €5 million to further develop its digital twin technology
By Morgan Hines | October 1, 2024
Founded in 2020, Hotelverse provides its digital twin technology to dozens of hotels including some... Read More
Air Doctor raises $20M for Asia expansion
News / Startups
Air Doctor raises $20M for Asia expansion
By Morgan Hines | October 1, 2024
Air Doctor has a network of 20,000 multilingual doctors and healthcare specialists in 84 countries... Read More
Travel startup funding in Q3 dominated by earlier rounds
News / Startups
Travel startup funding in Q3 dominated by earlier rounds
By Linda Fox | October 1, 2024
Check out who received investment and the deals that were done in PhocusWire's Q3 roundup of funding... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Trotter wants to connect individuals through travel
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Trotter wants to connect individuals through travel
By Mileva Sapic | September 30, 2024
Using the Trotter app, consumers can share experiences, discover hidden gems and get personalized... Read More
TripAdmit secures $1M in funding to expand internationally
News / Startups
TripAdmit secures $1M in funding to expand internationally
By Mileva Sapic | September 20, 2024
TripAdmit, which automates tipping and trip review collection for tour operators, plans to expand its... Read More
Mindtrip secures $12M investment, launches group chat
News / Startups
Mindtrip secures $12M investment, launches group chat
By Mileva Sapic | September 18, 2024
Mindtrip will use the investment to scale operations as it rolls out of a series of collaborative... Read More
Point.me secures $15M to expand travel rewards search platform
News / Startups
Point.me secures $15M to expand travel rewards search platform
By Linda Fox | September 18, 2024
The investment was led by Nyca Partners and Citi Ventures with Samsung Next, RiverPark Ventures, Meta... Read More
Sponsored Content
From Our Partners
Precision and predictability for travel marketing: Essential visitor intelligence to drive growth
September 9, 2025
Precision and predictability for travel marketing: Essential visitor intelligence to drive growth
 In partnership with Zartico, this video series explores the latest trends and delivers practical... Read More
Get real: The power of combining AI with authentic intelligence
August 19, 2025
Get real: The power of combining AI with authentic intelligence
Chris Hemmeter from Thayer Investment Partners outlines his thoughts on the importance of balancing AI... Read More
Changing traveler patterns, evolving customer needs drive demand for travel insurance
May 6, 2025
Changing traveler patterns, evolving customer needs drive demand for travel insurance
Travel protection is bringing peace of mind for travelers and positive rewards for suppliers.... Read More